China acknowledged Israel's right to self-defense against Hamas, marking a significant shift in its stance. Foreign Minister Wang Yi made this statement in a telephone call with his Israeli counterpart, Eli Cohen, just ahead of his high-profile visit to Washington. Wang emphasized that every country has the right to self-defense but should adhere to international humanitarian law and protect civilians.

This statement is notable because it appears to be the first time Beijing publicly recognized Israel's right to take action against Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.

China's President Xi Jinping had previously called for an immediate cease-fire and offered to coordinate with Egypt and other Arab nations to find a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

However, China had refrained from condemning Hamas for its actions, even as the group's assault on Israel resulted in casualties, including many civilians. During a visit to Beijing, U.S. congressional leaders, such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, called on China to support Israel and condemn the attacks, expressing their disappointment with China's initial stance.

Israel also openly expressed its disappointment with China's official statements and media reports on the matter, further highlighting the tension between the two countries.

In summary, China's acknowledgment of Israel's right to self-defense against Hamas came after criticism from the United States and Israel, demonstrating a shift in China's stance on this sensitive issue. This move is significant in the context of China's foreign policy and its relations with both Israel and the United States.

China acknowledged Israel's right to self-defense against Hamas, marking a significant shift in its stance. Foreign Minister Wang Yi made this statement in a telephone call with his Israeli counterpart, Eli Cohen, just ahead of his high-profile visit to Washington. Wang emphasized that every country has the right to self-defense but should adhere to international humanitarian law and protect civilians.

This statement is notable because it appears to be the first time Beijing publicly recognized Israel's right to take action against Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.

China's President Xi Jinping had previously called for an immediate cease-fire and offered to coordinate with Egypt and other Arab nations to find a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

However, China had refrained from condemning Hamas for its actions, even as the group's assault on Israel resulted in casualties, including many civilians. During a visit to Beijing, U.S. congressional leaders, such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, called on China to support Israel and condemn the attacks, expressing their disappointment with China's initial stance.

Israel also openly expressed its disappointment with China's official statements and media reports on the matter, further highlighting the tension between the two countries.

In summary, China's acknowledgment of Israel's right to self-defense against Hamas came after criticism from the United States and Israel, demonstrating a shift in China's stance on this sensitive issue. This move is significant in the context of China's foreign policy and its relations with both Israel and the United States.